Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay Promotes Jason Rodgers to General Manager
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts | April 12th, 2023
Brent Baudier Named Vice President of Food & Beverage and Hospitality for Expotel Hospitality
October 30, 2023
Metairie, LA, October 30, 2023 - Expotel Hospitality, a nationally recognized hotel owner, developer, and manager, announced today that it has hired accomplished industry executive Brent Baudier to serve as the company’s Vice President of Food & Beverage and Hospitality. Mike Nixon, President and Chief Development Officer of Expotel, made the announcement. A seasoned hospitality executive, Brent has more than 20 years of executive-level experience in the hospitality industry including resorts, private clubs, and restaurants. During that time, Brent served both the PGA TOUR and the PGA of America with increasing levels of responsibi...
Washington Hilton Appoints James Wescoe as New Executive Chef
Washington Hilton | October 30, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — October 30, 2023 — Washington Hilton announced that James Wescoe has been appointed as the renowned property’s Executive Chef. Wescoe brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to his role having worked in destinations spanning from Chicago to Orlando with Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. At the historic Washington Hilton, Chef Wescoe is at the helm of the expansive 23,000-plus sq. ft. kitchen and historic property’s food and beverage operations featuring more than 60 culinary team members. In his new role, he oversees the servicing of notable events that have taken place o...
Damon Page Joins SH Hotels & Resorts as Area Managing Director for Asia-Pacific Region
SH Hotels & Resorts | October 30, 2023
Miami, FL (October 30, 2023) – SH Hotels & Resorts, the sustainable hotel brand management company that operates 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels, and Treehouse Hotels, today announced the appointment of Damon Page as Area Managing Director for its Asia-Pacific region, an area that is a focus of exponential growth for the company. Damon will oversee each brand’s development throughout the region starting with the 2024 opening of 1 Hotels & Homes Melbourne (277 guest rooms & 114 hotel-branded residences), which he will manage directly on a day-to-day basis, and followed by the 2026 arrival of Treehouse Adelaide, each brand’s firs...
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque Appoints Desiree Brehm as New Director of Sales
Spire Hospitality | October 27, 2023
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — October 27, 2023 – Desiree Brehm has been named as the new director of sales at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque in Albuquerque, NM, a property managed by Spire Hospitality. In her new role, Brehm oversees all sales and marketing initiatives for DoubleTree by Hilton Albuquerque, including strategic planning for group and leisure sales, revenue, and marketing efforts. "Desiree's love for the DoubleTree brand and depth of sales expertise make her the ideal candidate to guide DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque in reaching its aggressive sales goals," said Molly Stevens, general manager of DoubleTree by ...
The Statler Dallas Names Stacey Jackson as New Director of Sales
The Statler | October 27, 2023
Stacey Jackson has been named director of sales for The Statler, a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel managed by Aimbridge Hospitality. Jackson has more than 20 years of hospitality sales and leadership experience, most recently with Hilton Richardson Dallas, another Aimbridge property. Prior to Hilton, Jackson reopened a hotel that had been closed due to COVID. She led sales through three brand changes until the hotel was officially named Renaissance Dallas North, exceeding personal sales goals by 150%. During COVID-19, Jackson was director of sales and marketing at DoubleTree Dallas Near the Galleria, which remained open during the pandemic...
Kimpton Hotel Enso Appoints Darius Shalforoosh as General Manager
Kimpton Hotel Enso | October 26, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO (October 26, 2023) – Kimpton Hotel Enso announced today the appointment of Darius Shalforoosh as general manager. In this role, Shalforoosh will oversee the management and operation of the 131-room property, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. Shalforoosh’s tenure with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants spans 14 years and seven properties, having most recently served as assistant general manager at Kimpton Hotel Eventi in New York City, a position he held since 2021. Shalforoosh started his career with Kimpton in 2009 at Nine Zero Hotel in Boston. He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various positio...
Ayana Komodo Waecicu Beach Appoints Dermot Birchall as General Manager
AYANA Hospitality | October 26, 2023
Situated in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine regions, Dermot's mission is to enhance AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach's commitment as an exemplar of sustainable luxury in Indonesia. Labuan Bajo, Indonesia (26 October, 2023) – AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, the first five-star hotel at Labuan Bajo, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park, announces the appointment of Dermot Birchall as its new General Manager. With over 25 years’ experience in luxury hospitality, Birchall’s appointment follows his tenure as General Manager at Barcelo Mussanah Resort in Muscat, Oman, where he successfully led the team to u...
Commonwealth Hotels Appoints Heather Etheridge to General Manager of the Springhill Suites Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus
Commonwealth Hotels, LLC | October 26, 2023
COVINGTON, Ky., Oct. 26, 2023 -- Commonwealth Hotels announced today that Heather Etheridge has been appointed the general manager of the Springhill Suites by Marriott Denver at Anschutz Medical Campus. Ms. Etheridge brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to her new role as general manager having previously served as the general manager of the Residence Inn Highlands Ranch in Colorado. An experienced leader in both operations and sales, Ms. Etheridge is responsible for overseeing and executing the hotel and property operations, including staff management, guest satisfaction, and community relations. Prior to joining Th...
Luke Borg Joins The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi as New Executive Chef
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi | October 25, 2023
LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA – October 2023 - The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi welcomes award-winning hotelier Chef Luke Borg to the team as the new executive chef. Hailing from Malta and with a Master Chef Diploma from the University of Malta, Luke brings with him over 16 years of culinary experience on the world stage, from Denmark, Malta, Mozambique, Thailand and more. A passionate chef who consistently seeks to improve, Luke keeps abreast of all the latest culinary trends and supports the use of local produce and sustainable dining. After an internship at the two Michelin-starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant in The Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, Luke s...
Everline Resort & Spa Welcomes Stella Chung as Director of Spa
Everline Resort & Spa | October 25, 2023
Olympic Valley, Calif. (October 25, 2023) – Everline Resort & Spa, a spacious all-seasons mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe, announces Stella Chung as director of spa. In her new role, Chung will oversee the daily operations of the resort’s state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, the Spa at Everline. “We are thrilled to welcome Stella Chung as director of spa,” said Andre Priemer, managing director at Everline Resort & Spa. “Stella’s passion for creating unparalleled spa and wellness-centered opportunities paired with her extensive knowledge of the industry is an invaluable asset to our team. We look forward to seein...
Highgate Appoints Daniel Texeira as General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu
AC Hotels by Marriott | October 25, 2023
HONOLULU, HI (October 25, 2023) – Highgate, a leading hotel management, investment and development company, has appointed Daniel Texeira as General Manager of AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu. In his new role, Texeira will oversee all operations and management of the newest property in the AC Hotels by Marriott portfolio, scheduled to open January 2024. With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Texeira joins AC Hotel by Marriott Honolulu from ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, where he held multiple positions over the past four years, most recently serving as Director of Operations. Prior, he served as Performance D...
U.S. Travel Applauds Senate Confirmation of Michael Whitaker to Lead FAA
U.S. Travel Association | October 25, 2023
WASHINGTON (October 25, 2023)—U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman issued the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan confirmation of Michael Whitaker to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): “Mike Whitaker is a capable and tested aviation leader who will bring critical expertise to the FAA. The United States should have an air travel system that is not only safe, but also modern and efficient. Establishing permanent leadership at the FAA is a key step toward alleviating strain on the current system, meeting increasing air traveler demand and building an improved air trave...
Four Seasons Names Adrian Messerli President, Hotel Operations in the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region
Four Seasons | October 24, 2023
A Four Seasons veteran of 18 years, Messerli takes on responsibility for a diverse region with a robust growth pipeline Leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons announces the promotion of Adrian Messerli to the role of President, Hotel Operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. As a member of the company’s operations leadership team, he now has responsibility for a region that includes more than 40 hotels, resorts and residences – and growing. As Four Seasons strengthens its presence in each of three regions – Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) – Messerli is leading an expanding tea...
Fusion Appoints Three New General Managers at Vietnam Properties
Fusion | October 24, 2023
HO CHI MINH CITY (Oct 24, 2023) — Renowned as a trailblazer in the field of wellness-inspired resorts with its “all-spa inclusive” vacationing concept, Fusion Hotel Group announced the appointment of three new general managers at its hotels in Vietnam as the group continues to expand its presence across the country. Peter Meyer, CEO of Fusion Hotel Group and Lodgis, said the three new general managers are well equipped to deliver continued success in their new roles. “Each of these new general managers brings a wealth of experience and vitality to their respective hotels across Vietnam,” he said. “Two of these appointees will ta...
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Welcomes New General Manager, Stephen Power
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort | October 24, 2023
MIAMI, FL – October 24, 2023 – The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Power as the new General Manager. Power brings two decades of hospitality experience to his new role. Prior to joining The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Power served as General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, where he led the hotel in exceeding top line and GOP to budget in 2022, as well as saw the property achieve #1 hotel rankings in San Francisco within several coveted travel publications. His extensive background in hospitality has also seen him serve in numerous other hotel management positions within the ...
HSMAI Announces 2023 Sales Leader Award Honorees
HSMAI | October 23, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: McLean, VA (Oct. 23, 2023) – The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) will celebrate four remarkable sales professionals during HSMAI’s Sales Leader Forum in Long Beach, CA on Nov. 8. The following hospitality executives have demonstrated a passion for their professions, extraordinary talent, and exemplary work in the hotel sales discipline and are being recognized for at this year’s forum. HSMAI’s Award for Career Achievement in Sales Kimberly Furlong, Chief Commercial Officer, Atrium Hospitality With 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, Kimberly Furlong se...
Paséa Hotel & Spa Welcomes Director of Food & Beverage Vincent Savignano
Paséa Hotel & Spa | October 23, 2023
Huntington Beach, Calif. (October 23, 2023) Paséa Hotel & Spa – the Huntington Beach, California-based Meritage Collection hotel celebrated for its oceanfront culinary offerings – announces a complete revamp of its food and beverage program, slated to be unveiled this spring. The hotel’s dining venues will undergo a $5 million renovation, opening a brand-new restaurant concept on the ground floor where Tanner’s Restaurant currently sits. Paséa welcomes Director of Food & Beverage Vincent Savignano to help lead the transformation, including menu creation and sense of place across the property. In anticipation of the renov...
Emilio Fernandez Appointed as New Executive Chef at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | October 19, 2023
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca announces the appointment of Emilio Fernandez as the new Executive Chef overseeing banquet functions and the Hotel’s three restaurants: Mint Lobby Lounge, Bleu restaurant and Latitude33. Originally from Mexico, Emilio Fernandez acquired extensive culinary experience in various countries across continents, making his cuisine a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. After Mexico, the United States, Spain, and Cuba, it was during his time in Egypt that the chef discovered the flavours of oriental cuisine, inspiring him to delve into the richness of Moroccan gastronomy. "My cuisine is bold and authentic. I like t...
Madison Beach Hotel Names Ryan Wollman Director of Sales and Marketing
Curio Collection by Hilton | October 19, 2023
Madison, Conn. [October 19, 2023] – Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning boutique resort and Top Performer for the Hilton brand, today announced that Ryan Wollman is named Director of Sales and Marketing. He most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Los Angeles Airport Marriott (LAX Marriott), where he supported the 1,000 room property through a $50M renovation, along with the implementation of key resort sales and marketing strategies helping to drive both group and leisure performance. Wollman’s hotel career began as part of Hilton’s Management Development Program...
Coconut Grove’s Iconic Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Appoints Rhys O’Connell as General Manager
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden | October 19, 2023
Miami, FL, October 19th, 2023 – Bringing more than 20 years of luxury hospitality experience to idyllic South Florida, the Grand Dame of Miami, Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhys O’Connell as General Manager of the newly renovated hotel. O’Connell brings an extensive resume spanning more than two decades with some of the world’s most recognized hotel brands. Most recently, O’Connell served as General Manager of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York where he managed daily operations of the $30 Million topline revenue hotel including improvement strategies and guest experience. Beginning his...
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Welcomes Michael Rodriguez as New Food & Beverage Director
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita | October 18, 2023
PUNTA MITA, MEXICO, October 18, 2023 – Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, a beloved, five-star resort nestled along Mexico’s Pacific coast, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Michael Rodriguez as new food and beverage director. With a dynamic career spanning over a decade in the luxury hospitality industry, Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience, coming off back-to-back new hotel openings and a renovation. Known for his relentless pursuit of excellence and exceptional leadership skills, Rodriguez is eager to push the culinary team at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita to new heights. “Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita has an unparall...
One&Only Resorts Appoints Executive Leadership in North America – Mexico and Montana, United States
One&Only | October 18, 2023
(18 October 2023 – Dubai, UAE) Kerzner International Holdings Limited (“Kerzner”), the owner of the iconic Atlantis Resort and Residences, the ultra-luxury One&Only Resorts, Rare Find, a diverse collection of unique resorts in captivating destinations, and new fitness lifestyle brand SIRO, focusing on holistic health and wellbeing, have announced new executive appointments in North America for One&Only as the brand continues to grow and develop in new sought after destinations in one-of-a-kind natural locations throughout the world. These appointments underscore the brand’s commitment to strategic growth, while highlighting th...
Terry Bechtold Joins Camelback Resort as Vice President of Operations
Camelback Resort | October 18, 2023
TANNERSVILLE, Penn. – Camelback Resort, a year-round recreational destination nestled in the Pocono Mountains, has named Terry Bechtold its new vice president of operations. In his new position, Bechtold will oversee and direct all resort departments, including its lodge, housekeeping, front desk, retail, Camelbeach and all recreational activities, including skiing, snowtubing, mountain coaster, summer tubing, ziplines and more. According to David Makarsky, managing director of Camelback Resort, Bechtold is an enthusiastic hospitality industry leader with more than three decades of industry experience. “We are thrilled to have Terry joi...
Giampaolo Ottazzi Appointed as General Manager for the First Orient Express Hotels in Rome & Venice
ORIENT EXPRESS, PART OF ACCOR | October 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE (OCTOBER 17, 2023) – Orient Express has appointed Giampaolo Ottazzi as General Manager of the first two Orient Express Hotels in Italy: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. Ottazzi will be responsible for the strategic positioning, development, and operations management of both hotels, which are set to open in 2025. With over forty years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, Ottazzi began his career in sales and marketing management roles in Venice at the CIGA Hotel, in Portofino at Hotel Splendido, in Florence at Villa San Michele, in Como at Villa d'Este, an...